Instructions - Use the supplied
De-soldering Braid to absorb the existing solder from the components
being modded. I like to mark the bottom of the PC Board with a marker
before starting so there's no confusion as to which contact to
de-solder. Perform one Mod at a time. After each Mod hook the pedal up
and test it. This way if there's a problem you'll know exactly where it
is. Each solder contact should be smooth and shiny. Make sure the solder
is contained and doesn't spread into an adjacent contact or else you
will short out the signal. If you do spread solder into another
connection by accident don't sweat it, simply use the de-solder braid
and suck it up and start over.
Tools Needed or
Recommended - 15 or 30 Watt Fine Pencil
Tip Soldering Iron, Small Wire Cutters, Multi Meter, Desoldering Braid
(supplied), Resin Core Solder (supplied), Magnifying Glass, Phillips
Head Screwdriver, Needle Nose Pliers, a Dash of Patience, Good Music to
Groove to, Felt-tip Marker, if you're over 40 (like me) a good pair of
+1.25 or +1.50 Reading Glasses.
WARNING! - If
your CS-3 is an older Japan issue and or requires an ACA Adapter your
pedal will have a Resistor in (R32) and a Diode in (D10). You will need
to remove the resistor in R32 and the Diode in D10 and add a jumper wire
in both places. Use one of the legs you cut off one of the other
components for the jumper wire for both of these. If you don't add the
jumpers your LED may not light up and if it does it will be very dim.
Adding the jumper wires add more voltage to the circuit and improves the
tone of the pedal. As you can see in the pic above (which is a Pic of a
New CS-3 PCB) the newer CS-3s already have these components removed and
the jumpers added. If you own a newer CS-3 (that uses a PSA Adapter) you
simply do nothing, the jumpers have been added for
you.
A - (Fuller Tone
Mod) Replacing this 10k ohm resistor with a 2.2k ohm Metal Film Resistor
adds a rich, fuller bodied vibe back into the circuit.
B - (Cleaner Sustain
Mod) Replacing this .022uF polyester capcitor with a much Higher Quality
.1uF Metal Fim Capacitor adds clarity back into the circuit when the
sustain knob is pushed.
C, D, G, H, I, J
& M - (Hi-Fi Mods) Replacing these lower quality polyester and
electrolytic capacitors with Higher Quality Metal Film, Metal Box Film
and Tantalum Capacitors add clarity and smoothness back into the circuit
for a more Hi-Fi Tone. NOTE: The 1uF Tantalum
Capacitors have a positive and negative side. On Mods C & D the side
with the most writing will face right in the pic above. On Mod I the
side with the most writing will face to the left in the pic above. On Mod J the side with the
most writing will face toward the bottom in the pic
above.
E, K & L -
(Clarity & Fullness Mods) Replacing these lower quality polyester
capacitors with Higher Quality Metal Film Capacitors of different values
add fullness, warmth and body back into the circuit. By changing out
these lower quality capacitors with Metal Film Capacitors of different
values we give the pedal a more focused and Hi-Fi Character that is
extremely transparent and quiet even at higher compression and sustain
settings.
F - (Presence Mod)
Replacing this lower quality polyester capacitor with a higher quality
.1uF Metal Film Capacitor of a different value adds Presence and Clarity
back into the circuit.
N - (Tube-Tone Mod)
Replacing this 1N4004 diode with a 1N34A Germanium Diode adds a very
Fat, Smooth, Tube-Like Tone into the circuit. This Mod gives the CS-3 a
very Vintage Opto Style Compression Character. This is my favorite Mod
for the CS-3. This 1N34A Germanium
Diode has a positive and negative side. Make
sure the side with the stripe is pointed in the same direction as the
Triangle arrow on PCB. Installing this diode backwards will blow it, so
take special care to install it correctly. NOTE: You will not see the
triangle until the old diode is removed.
NOTE:
VERY IMPORTANT -
I recommend doing each mod and checking the pedal after each one. This
way if there is a problem you will know exactly where to look. The key
here is to take your time. Some of the Mods are very noticeable while
others are more subtle. Some of the Mods replacing lower quality
components with higher quality ones will give the CS-3 a more Hi-Fi and
focused tone. This becomes more noticeable when recording or playing
live at moderate to loud levels. You will notice a tighter more defined
tone than before. The Harmonics will also become more enhanced. It's
almost like removing a blanket from the pedals tone. All of these Mods
when performed together will transform the CS-3 into an awesome
compressor.
DISCLAIMER - My
Mods are intended to be used by individuals that are 18 years of age or
older unless accompanied by a supervising parent or guardian. Soldering
Guns can cause serious injury if not used properly. Always take the
proper precautions when soldering. Always unplug power from the pedal
when performing these modifications